National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2023
Would you like to take part in National Whale and Dolphin Watch?
National Whale and Dolphin Watch (NWDW) is an exciting annual marine mammal monitoring event, run by the Sea Watch Foundation, that aims to get as many people as possible looking out to sea all around the UK, providing a snapshot of what is being seen in UK waters.
Every sighting you log on Whale Track between Saturday 29th July and Sunday 6th August will be shared with the Sea Watch Foundation, helping us to learn more about the amazing diversity of species seen in Scotland. Your records will showcase and represent the region, alongside the whole of the UK, generating vital evidence that is needed to better understand and protect these incredible animals.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED;
Attend online training (info here) and learn how to carry out a dedicated survey on land or by boat and receive training in species identification and data collection (no experience necessary).
When travelling via boat or ferry please use the ‘track your excursion’ mode on the Whale Track app to carry out your own survey using your phone.
While taking a stroll along the coast, have a break and conduct a ‘watch from land’ on the Whale Track app. Take a look at Hebridean Whale Trail for ideas on where to visit.
If you spot something while out and about, let us know by reporting it as a casual sighting on the Whale Track app, or make a note and add them via the Whale Track website when you get home.
Meet other wildlife enthusiasts at organised watches across the area. For more information check out our planned events below or visit Sea Watch Foundation’s website.
Submit your photos - you can add these to your sightings through our new Photo Portal. Simply login, find the sighting you’d like to add photos to and click ‘Upload photos in photo portal’. Your photos and videos can help identify individual animals and uncover their movements and life histories.
DID YOU KNOW?
Last year, in the nine days of Sea Watch Foundation’s National Whale and Dolphin Watch survey. you (the amazing Whale Track community) reported almost 500 sightings, with 11 species recorded, on the west coast of Scotland. Explore the highlights here.
HWDT’S National Whale and Dolphin Watch Events:
Some events are still TBC, we will update the details on this page as things are confirmed.
NATIONAL WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCH ONLINE TRAINING
Date: Thursday 27 July
Time: 19:00-20:00
Additional info: Join us to find out how you can get involved with NWDW. Learn how to report your sightings and how your data can help us learn more about the whales in our waters.
Guided walk and watch to treshnish farm
Date: Monday 31 July
Time: 10:00-12:00
Additional info: Join our team for a guided walk and watch out from the beautiful site at Treshnish Cottages.
GUIDED COASTAL WALK TO TOBERMORY LIGHThOUSE
Date: Tuesday 1 August
Time: 10:00-12:00
Additional info: Join expert guides from HWDT for a gentle walk along the coast to Tobermory Lighthouse as we take in the nature and wildlife around us.
GUIDED wildlife watch at glengorm castle
Date: Thursday 3 August
Time: 10:00-12:00
Additional info: Join HWDT to explore the stunning natural environment, and learn top tips for spotting amazing marine life.
ARDNAMURCHAN LIGHTHOUSE WATCH (Foghorn friday)
Date: Friday 4 August
Time: 10:00-14:00
Additional info: Drop-in to get top-tips for spotting and identifying local species, learn more about the enigmatic creatures beneath the waves, and hopefully spot some incredible local wildlife!
No booking required
GUIDED WATCH FROM DUART CASTLE
Date: Saturday 5 August
Time: 11:00-13:00
Additional info: Join HWDT for a guided watch at the beautiful location of Duart Castle.
No booking required